Studies on systemic pharmacological effects of artesunate
Zhao, Y.
Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 88(6): 391-396
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5304 PMID: 3939245 Document Number: 247090
At 100 mg/kg intravenously or intraperitoneally, artesunate had no significant pharmacological effects in animals (mice, rats guineapigs, rabbits, dogs, monkeys). However, at higher dosage levels there was an appearance of sedative effects, lowered movement of synchronism, elevation of tolerated lack of oxygen, lowered body temperature, analgesia, muscle relaxation, tremor, convulsions, depressed respiration and heart beat, lowered blood pressure and depressed activity of the gastrointestinal tract. At 100 mg/kg given intravenously (i.v.) or intraperitoneally, artesunate (the succinate derivative of a dihydroqinghaosu) had no significant systemic pharmacological effects on various species of laboratory animals. Artesunate is used as a human antimalarial at 2 mg/kg i.v. and thus has a high therapeutic index. Toxicity was demonstrated in animals at dosages higher than 100 mg/kg.Carolyn A. Brown.